Marwell Zoo, near Winchester
Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty of Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.
From city celebrations and outdoor festivals to family attractions and seasonal events, Hampshire offers an exciting calendar of events throughout 2026. This autumn in Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with the return of the colourful International Kite Festival filling the skies above Southsea Common (F) 12 - 13 September, whilst in November, We Shine returns, with light illuminations and displays from 19 - 21 November (F). In Winchester, its the fantastic annual torchlight procession and fireworks display that is a must for the diary, (7 November) filling the streets of this historic town with families, friends, visitors and residents alike, whilst in Basingstoke there's a whole host of spooktacular free family-fun this October half term in the town centre.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy the thrilling Go Ape experience by night this autumn at Itchen Valley Park, Southampton (16 October - 8 November), or miss the UK's biggest Oktoberfest at Southampton Guildhall Square, with music, Bavarian food and a themed marquee (23 - 24 October). Pick up a new autumn wardrode with a visit to John Lewis at WestQuay, or join their upcoming home design talk for some great ideas to refresh your decor (16 October) - a great all-weather day out. Enjoy the changing of the season with the Jane Austen circular walk, a four and half mile trail that starts from Jane Austen's House and explores some of East Hampshire's beautiful countryside.
From scenic coastlines and vibrant events to cosy villages, walking trails and excellent places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal destination for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 summer adventure today and discover some of the county's top events, attractions and experiences.
Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year. From coastal festivals and city celebrations to countryside walks, food experiences and family attractions, Hampshire offers one of the most varied events calendars in South East England.
You can find a wide range of events taking place across Hampshire today and this weekend, including theatre shows, interactive workshops, wildlife experiences and outdoor events in the Hampshire countryside. Use the date filters above, or browse the listings to find lots of inspiration and ideas for something happening near you. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (Free) taking place.
If you're travelling from outside the county for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs. Search Hampshire accommodation to plan your stay, whether your choose the coastal city of Portsmouth or Southampton, Winchester - the ancient capital of England - or a more rural stay in Chawton or Alton, East Hampshire.
Yes, Hampshire hosts a wide range of family-friendly events throughout the year, from nature trails, outdoor festivals, science fairs and interactive school holiday activities. Use the 'type filter' in the search box above and choose family to find suitable events. During the summer holidays and key seasonal periods, you'll find even more events designed for children and families, with activities suitable for all ages.
Yes. South Western Railway connects more than 50 stations across Hampshire with London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction making a day trip or weekend break easy from London. Book your rail tickets and enjoy your next event in Hampshire.
The guide below shows our full calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for what's on this weekend or planning further ahead, you'll find plenty of inspiration. If you're local or visiting Hampshire for the first time, use the 'Map View' button to discover events happening near you.
Some of the events below take place on the Isle of Wight, which is easily accessible by ferry or hovercraft from Portsmouth or Lymington.
Number of results: 123
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Christmas
Churchill Way West, Basingstoke
Milestones Christmas Market brings together the best of the season, unique gifts, festive food, live music and family fun, all set within the bustling cobbled streets of Milestones.
Special Events
Whitchurch
Celebrating Heritage Crafts, Creativity and the Colours of Autumn. Over three days, the historic Mill will be transformed with seasonal displays, harvest-inspired decorations and showcases of traditional craftsmanship.
Participatory Event
Farnham
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Alice Holt! Get glowing, Go Ape at Night
Show / Display
Brockenhurst
The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Farnham
Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Alice Holt’s Treetop and Nets Adventures. Combining nets, high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra twist to the Go Ape family…
Fireworks
Fleet
Fleet Lions Fireworks Fiesta is on Saturday November 7th, at Calthorpe Park, Reading Road North, Fleet, GU51 4AD. We're really looking forward to giving the public a fabulous display and a great night out.
It will be Fleet's main display and we'll…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Brockenhurst
Treat (not trick) your little swashbucklers to some scarily good fun on the Beaulieu River this Halloween.
Fireworks
Southampton
Make it a night to remember at Utilita Bowl’s fireworks, which returns to the venue on Friday 6th November!
Show / Display
Romsey
The Romsey Show takes place in September at Broadlands in Romsey. The Show is one of the largest one-day country shows in the South and is run by a large team of dedicated volunteers. The show provides a fantastic day out with something for all the…
Free Event
Basingstoke
Head to Basingstoke, Hampshire this October half term for a host of free fun activities and events for kids from 3 - 13 to enjoy.
Christmas
Romsey
Hampshire's largest festive light trail returns this Christmas as the award-winning Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland.
Christmas
New Forest
Don't be late for a very important date! Alice's Christmas Wonderland is coming to Beaulieu in a brand new festive experience for 2026.
Cycling
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst
Offering full-day adult bike hire only, New Forest Activities offer bike sizes from XS to XL. It’s ideal for couples, adult groups and families with teens who want a relaxed but active day out in the New Forest.
Run / Rally
Portsmouth
The world's premier 10-mile event returns to Southsea in October 2026.
Walking
Islandwide
Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.
Food
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst
Gather your favourite company on 13th December for a classic English tradition with a festive twist.
Festival
Lymington
This 10-12th July the Lymington Seafood Festival gets set to celebrate its 10th birthday. The event has grown into one of the south coasts leading food festivals with sell out crowds sampling delicious seafood, live music, the best local chefs…
Free Event
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Pride returns to Southsea on 12 June 2027, with live entertainment, great music and a welcoming atmosphere on Castle Field.
Show / Display
Northwood
Historic county show on the Isle of Wight The Royal Isle of Wight County Show returns on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July 2027. With a history dating back to 1833, the event has long been a showcase for our island's agricultural heritage, local…
Walking
Town Quay, Southampton
Explore Southampton’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route. Fun, affordable and perfect for all ages.
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